A-Z of Secret Edinburgh: The Himalaya Café

In need of some Tibetan tea and tranquillity? Head to Newington to a shop and café inspired by a meeting with the Dalai Lama himself – The Himalaya Café.

At the 2005 Scottish Parliament, the Dalai Lama told shop owner, Reka Gawa: “Don’t forget you are Tibetan; keep the culture alive.” And that she duly did by opening this friendly, community-based café in 2007.

They serve the best chai in town

A photo of Reka’s meeting with the Dalai Lama takes pride of place in this colourfully decorated café where you can also buy crafts, jewellery and fabrics. They serve the best chai in town – with five different varieties, all hand-ground to order from fresh spices and ginger.

Fragrant curries and gigantic thali sharing plates

Food is mainly vegetarian and all cooked on a small, simple stove at the back of the counter. Fragrant curries and gigantic thali sharing plates are the order of the day, along with healthy wraps and organic cakes.

As an added bonus, prices are as low and comforting as the meditational background music.